Car-park extension and charges plan for access to Pen y Fan

CAR-PARKING charges could be introduced at the most popular access point to climb the highest peak in the central Brecon Beacons.

The National Trust (NT) has submitted a planning application for the improvement and extension of “limited” parking facilities at an access point near Pen y Fan.

The trust wants to increase the number of parking spaces from around 50 to 263, including spaces for disabled users and provision for minibuses, coaches and secure facilities for cyclists.

The current car park is said to cause “acute strains in the area”, while the improvements have been described as “overdue” by Kirsty Williams AM, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire.

With around 250,000 visitors taking a trip to the tourist hotspot every year, National Trust says it wants to ensure everyone who visits can begin their journey in a safe and fitfor-purpose car park at a more welcoming site which is better reflective of Wales as a tourist destination.

Brecon Beacons National Park – which covers 520 square miles – attracts tourists from all over the world for walking, mountain biking, horse-riding, and climbing.

But if the application is given the go-ahead, it would mean parking charges would be brought in at Pont ar Daf car park, which is just off the A470.

National Trust says the charges would be modest and in line with local pricing, but parking would be free for National Trust members, while funds raised would go directly to conservation works on the footpaths that people use to enjoy the Central Brecon Beacons.

A green light for the planning application would also see the toilets on site transferred from Welsh Government to the National Trust, with plans pending to rebuild them.